Britain’s financial regulator has warned football clubs, including those in the Premier League, that sponsorship deals with unauthorized crypto companies and trading platforms could expose them to legal liability, money laundering and reputational damage.
The Financial Conduct Authority said on Wednesday that unauthorized firms may be breaking Britain’s financial promotion rules by using high-profile sponsorships to target football fans, despite being banned from operating in Britain.
The market watchdog wrote to Premier League clubs and others, raising concerns about existing partnerships and urging them to tighten controls.
READ: Messi himself seen training during Argentina’s first World Cup camp
“Millions of football fans rely on their club’s badge. Clubs must not allow unauthorized financial companies to exploit that loyalty by introducing potentially unreliable products to millions of fans,” said Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investment at the FCA.
The FCA said it had already contacted clubs where it had identified concerns and said it would take action where necessary, adding that fans who used unregulated companies risked losing all their money and were unlikely to access legal protections.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said sponsorship income is vital to the industry, but fans “deserve to know that the companies associated with their clubs are responsible, accountable and safe to use.” Sponsorship and commercial deals are a crucial cash flow for clubs and are overtaking broadcasting as the dominant source of income. Manchester City generated €408 million ($475 million) in 2025, surpassing broadcast revenue of €332 million, according to Deloitte.
Published on June 3, 2026
